The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil Review

Today I’ve got a product review for you! After reading the title, I bet I can guess what you are thinking. “Why would I ever want to put oil on my face, much less cleanse with it?!” Well, I can assure you, I felt the same way at first. It seems a bit counter-intuitive, at least for us oily-skinned girls, to purposely put oil onto our faces. Well, after using several cleansing balms and reading/watching many reviews, I thought I should give a cleansing oil a try. This one is from the Body Shop, and you get 200 ml for $18. This seems pricey but The Body Shop always has sales and I can bet this amount will last a very long time.

It claims to “effortlessly lift away impurities and remove waterproof makeup.” First, I started with a full face of makeup, nothing crazy but I was wearing waterproof mascara. I also have to mention that my face was dry, that’s how the product is meant to be used but it felt pretty strange at first. I put one pump of the oil into my hand and began to blend it onto my face. I like to massage it in everywhere except my eyes, which I leave for last. With a second pump of product, I massage it into my eyes while they are closed. I have gotten the oil into my eyes before, it doesn’t really hurt but it kind of sucks. Avoid that if you can! The mascara and eyeliner began to dissolve almost instantly and turn me into a very greasy looking panda. Messy but very satisfying! Then, as instructed, take some warm water and massage it into your face to “emulsify” the oil. It turns into a milky liquid and is much easier to wash off. I prefer to take the oil off with a warm wash cloth but you could just rinse it off in the shower or sink. The result is a clean face, completely free of makeup! This cleansing oil also does not leave behind any strange residue.

Although I do love this cleansing oil, there are a few things that I would change about it. First, the packaging. I like that it has a pump but the oil is so runny that when it comes out it kind of splashes everywhere. After the first few times it did this, I learned to just keep my hand sort of cupped around the pump to minimize splashing. This seemed to work but I wish it wasn’t an issue. Secondly, the smell. This is supposed to smell like chamomile (I don’t think I actually know what that smells like) but I wish it was just unscented or had a fresher scent. It smells a bit floral-y or old lady-ish. So, I’m not a huge fan of the scent but it’s not unbearable.

Overall, if you wear makeup you should give a cleansing oil a try, regardless of your skin type. Even though mine can be oily, this didn’t make me breakout or cause me to be extra oily. It works wonderfully on stubborn eye makeup and leaves my face feeling extra clean. I usually use it at night and follow it up with a toner and night moisturizer. I would recommend this product! Try it out!

PS – The Body Shop is having a 40% off sale right now! The cleansing oil is only $10.80, yay!

Have you used a cleansing balm or oil before? Do you have any favorites? Let me know!